Harden Helps Rockets Knock Off Spurs 111-98

SAN ANTONIO, TX - December 25: Marco Belinelli #3 of the San Antonio Spurs attempts a shot during a game against the Houston Rockets at the AT&T Center on December 25, 2013 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photos by D. Clarke Evans/NBAE via Getty Images)

(Photos by D. Clarke Evans/NBAE via Getty Images)

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — James Harden scored 28 points and Dwight Howard had 15 points and 20 rebounds, leading the balanced Houston Rockets to a 111-98 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.

Each of Houston’s starters scored in double figures as the Rockets improved to 2-0 against the Spurs this season. San Antonio (22-7) still leads the Southwest Division by 3½ games over Houston.

Chandler Parsons and Terrence Jones each scored 21 points for the Rockets (19-11), who shot 52 percent from the field. Jeremy Lin had 13 points, eight assists and just one turnover.